- Mode of Trekking: Tea House-Lodge Based Trek
- Trekking Grade: Moderate to adventurous
- Maximum Altitude: 5,135m on top Larke Pass
- Total Trip: 16 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
- Season: All months of the year except June to August (wet monsoon months)
Introduction
Manaslu Trekking falls under ancient Gorkha Kingdom, one of the erstwhile kingdoms of the Shah dynasty, where a wonderful drive from Kathmandu goes to Nepal's Mid West Himalaya at Arughat town and around typical Nepalese traditional agricultural communities, where we begin our fantastic treks. Now the road has further extended all the way to Machhakhola to make it easier and shorter.
Our trip around Manaslu follows the Budhi-Gandaki River upstream to its glacial source in the high Manaslu valley, hidden between high mountains. Our walk begins in sub-tropical agriculture and woodland areas and ends in arid and windswept picturesque country in the Upper Gorkha districts around Manaslu.
Manaslu Trekking provides spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, the world's eighth highest mountain, as well as a panorama of majestic peaks stretching all the way to Ganesh Himal and the Annapurna Himalaya.
As the walk progresses, it enters cooler alpine areas with tall pines and rhododendron (Nepal's national flower) trees, passing through wonderful and attractive towns like Philim-Jagat-Deng-Lo Gaon on the way to Sama Gaon, a nice large village in the high Manaslu areas.
The journey around Manaslu continues beyond Sama Gaon to the last settlement of Samdu, then across the high Larkey-La pass to another side within the dense forest at Bhimthang in Manang district, where the famed Annapurna circuit meets at Dharapani village.
After a fantastic time of tremendous adventure Around Manaslu Trekking, our journey slowly comes to an end on reaching Chamje village, where an adventurous overland drive descends downhill back into low warmer areas and past Besisar town towards Kathmandu.
Itinerary
When you arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, our crew will meet you and bring you to your hotel, where our guide will give you a briefing on the hotel, Kathmandu, and the trekking / lodges along the way, as well as other important information.
Morning with a half-day sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu at points of interest, Kathmandu valley steeped in historical sites classified as World Heritage Sites, returning to the hotel with time for hike preparation around Manaslu after a few hours of an entertaining tour.
The morning begins with an adventurous 8-9 hours overland ride to Machha Khola, the starting point of our trek. We use to drive to Arughat and start the trek from there but since the road has been extended further, it makes trip bit shorter.
The road across the river leads to Dhading and Trisuli Bazaar, while the other west trail connects to Pokhara. The route from here travels north to the high Manaslu highlands, and continue following Buri Gandaki river upstream.
Beginning our morning walk across the stream that lends its name to Machha Khola (Fish Stream) and proceeding upstream to a tiny village of Khorlabensi to reach Tatopani, which means Hot Water / Spring, the trail goes to other interesting farm communities and fields as the foliage changes progressively. From here, the valley sides steepen until our pathway becomes inaccessible, and our route leads to a bridge, followed by a brief length of woodland walk that leads to some Doban teahouses.
Beyond this high part, where the Budhi-Gandaki River runs down into magnificent torrent rapids, the river becomes calmer, meandering through a large gravel bed.
When you arrive at Lauri, cross a river on a suspension bridge, then ascend a high trail before descending into an open valley at Yara Khola.
Our journey continues for another hour to Jagat, a medium-sized village following Arughat, where the population are a mix of races, including Magars, Chettris, Brahamans, Bhotias (Tibetan-looking tribes), and a few Newar merchants and traders.
The trail from Jagat drops to a river, then climbs over the terraced hillside to Saguleri, with a distant view of Shringi Himal 7,187m. The trek continues up and down the trail to a bridge across the Buri-Gandaki, after which it spirals up till Philim hamlet.
From here, the climb begins gently up a hillside via small towns of Aga and Lokwa, then descends to Nyak/Eklaibhati at Shiarkhola with spectacular views of the valley and Ganesh Himal's Pangsing Bhanjyang.
An one-hour stroll across the river to the east bank. The path winds up and down, cutting into the sheer rock sides in some places. After this spectacular section, the track gradually improves as the trek goes to Deng village for an overnight halt. From here on forward, the houses and landscapes get more Tibetan-like. The people here are Tibetan in origin, and their ancient Buddhist culture is still alive and well.
A fascinating section of the journey where high agricultural villages grow buckwheat, wheat, barley, and potatoes as primary crops, as well as spinach, carrots, and cabbages since trekking became popular in the area.
After a couple of hours of walking from Deng, the trek continues for another two hours through this steep-sided and spectacular valley, passing by Mani prayer stone and arriving at Ghap hamlet for overnight breaks.
From here, the trail climbs into cooler areas and higher elevations, eventually entering an alpine forest with pines, rhododendron, oaks, and fir tree lines. As the valley spreads out with very extensive fields, the trek becomes steeper up, culminating in a tough climb to cross a large stream running down from Lidana Glacier.
On a trek with a spectacular view of the snow-capped summits of the north Kuang (Manaslu) Himal range, including Pang Phuchin 6,335m, Saula Himal 6,235m, and numerous nameless peaks over 6000m.
On the southern side, the Manaslu Himal and Simang Himal ranges with their array of over 7000m peaks, as the walk progresses uphill via farm communities of Sho-Namur and Beng-sam till the village of Sho-Namur.
People from here work in the fields during the summer, while the young people go to trade in the big towns of Nepal and India during the winter. An hour hike leads you to Lo-Gaon for an overnight break in this wonderful huge village with a small monastery with numerous Chorten, Mani walls with views of Ganesh I, just above the settlement of Sho, the beauty of Manaslu north and then of main Manaslu peaks towering high above at 8,163m.
The walk continues after leaving Lo village, following the river on the right side, with a view of Peak 29 ahead. After a two-hour trek, you will reach the settlement of Shala, which offers spectacular views of Phungi, Manaslu, and Himal Chuli.
As the trip progresses, we will arrive at Samagaon village, where we'll spend the night with a spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu. Villagers of Samagaon, one of the region's largest villages, are farmers who grow what they can in these difficult terrains and cold temperatures, yielding buckwheat, barley, and potatoes as well as a few species of vegetables grown in this high altitude soil.
Today is a free day from packing; a day hike towards Manaslu glacier or on the way to its base camp is recommended.
Optional trek from Sama-Gaon to Sama Gompa / Monastery, which is one of the region's important Nyligpa (red hat sect) Monasteries, located above the settlement.
The Manaslu people, like their ancestors who descended from Tibet as early as 300 years ago, have a culture and manner of life that is remarkably similar to that of Tibetan origin and history. Villagers continue to trade with Tibet, where the border is only a day's walk away. It is one of Nepal's ancient salt trading routes to Tibet.
After a relaxing day at Sama Gompa, the hike today gradually ascends towards Samdu and beyond. The trek to Samdu is not very long and can be completed in 3-4 hours, but due to the high altitude and dry air, it is a little slower than in previous days.
As the hike nears Samdu village, travel towards a high plateau and then skirt around a ridge of lateral moraine heading towards Karmo Kharka and Kermo Mamam. Climb a terraced hillside on the opposite bank of the Budhi Gandaki to reach Sandu, one of Nepal's most distant permanent communities. The last settlement before Larkya-La, with roughly 200 residents and 40 dwellings, is a moderately sized village.
The trail leads to more arid places from Samdu; the walk begins on a rough mountain path that crosses Gyala Khola and ascends to a ridge where the remnants of a settlement known as Larkya Bazaar once stood. This town is thought to have thrived in the past on commerce with Tibet via Gya La, a trade that has since declined.
The hike continues through the Larkya Glacier to Duwang, where there is a lodge at the base of Larke-la Pass called Larke Phedi, which means bottom of the pass or hill.
An early morning start, our route follows up with a gentle twisting ascent above the lodge, to reach an ablation valley on the north side of the Larke Glacier, with excellent views of Cho Danda and eventually Larke Peak. Finally, the walk crosses moraines and glaciers on its way to the summit of the pass, with a gentle slope that becomes steeper in the final portion.
Outstanding views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II may be seen from the larke- pass. After a magical moment at the top, descend over snow and scree to reach a valley trail leading to Larcia.
After a long and eventful day, a further hour of walking goes to Tambuche at 3,900m, followed by a short distance trek to Bhimthang for an overnight halt. Bhimthang is a charming town in a vast valley with multiple walls and lodges to stay in while exploring the forest.
After a long day hike to Bhimthang, take a delightful trail towards Dharapani through a dense forest of pines, rhododendron, and summer pastures with vistas of snow-capped peaks.
The walk descends from Bhimthang to a valley of Burdin Khola near the base camp of Manaslu's west side after passing a high grassland. From the ridge, travel down a trail through a narrow valley to reach Tilje for our overnight stop.
Our final adventure trek to Dharapani starts with a climb to the bridge. Dharapnai is the place where the Annapurna circuit's main trail meets. Around Dharapani, into a new territory inside Manang district, where the culture is similar to Manaslu people of Tibetan descent who follow the Buddhist religion. At Dharapani, we will jump into a local jeep to conclude the trekking to drive to Beshisahar for overnight.
After a leisurely breakfast, we start our drive to connect Pokhara / Kathmandu highway. The drive is scenic and we can enjoy the local lifestyle. Stop in between for lunch break and continue driving to Kathmandu following Trisuli river to reach by late afternoon. After refreshment free for souvenir shopping and other independent activities.
Departure Dates and Prices
Dates | Price | |
---|---|---|
25 Sep, 2023 - 10 Oct, 2023 | US$ | Book Now |
20 Oct, 2023 - 03 Nov, 2023 | US$ | Book Now |
25 Mar, 2024 - 09 Apr, 2024 | US$ | Book Now |
20 Apr, 2024 - 05 May, 2024 | US$ | Book Now |
Price includes following services
- Accommodation sharing twin at Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights on Bed & Breakfast basis.
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu.
- Half day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with applicable entrance fees.
- Transportation Kathmandu / Machha Khola and Dharapani / Beshisahar / Kathmandu by private vehicle.
- Trekking arrangement backed by our Sherpa crew using local lodges on full board basis.
- Applicable Trek Permit & National Park Fees.
- Insurance for Nepalese crew.
Our price does not include followings
- International flights to / from Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu Hotel.
- Travel, Medical and Personal insurance.
- Rescue evacuation in case of emergency.
- Personal clothing and personal trekking gear including sleeping bag & down jacket.
- Expenses of personal nature, i.e. tipping, laundry, wifi, charging fee of electronic devices, bottled drinks, bar bills etc.
- Any expense for early returning member due sickness, injury or any other reason. No refund will be entertained for any unused service.